ReefDaily's 40 Breeder - 7 months later

Hey Guys

I just wanted to show the progress (or lack there of) of my 40 breeder. I'm pretty busy and really only get time to work on the tank during the weekends. It's currently running with saltwater. I'm going to start cycling tomorrow.

What I have:
Aqueon 40 breeder
AGA 36" x 18" black pine stand
20H sump
ATO tank in the works
Water change tank in the works
Mag-Drive 5 & 7
Glass-Holes 700 GPH overflow
36" 6 bulb Tek light


Whats ordered:
Nothing yet MP20 in the next 2 weeks. Going to work on filling and letting the tank cycle until then.

Needs to be ordered:
MP20
Warner Marine H1 HOB skimmer (will get after tank is cycled)

Some stuff I still need to figure out:
-I'll be using an ATO.com single switch ATO. The 40 breeder is directly next to a wall that is my closet. I want to put the ATO reservoir in my closet, but I can't determine how many gallons the tank should be.

-I do aquarium maintenance. Fresh/Salt/Reef and even ponds. IME daily water changes (5 days a week) and 1 25% water change during the weekend do amazing things for reefs. I have never seen a tank thrive so well as one that has habitually had daily water changes. I also like it since you don't really have to worry about over feeding.. and there are no nutrients for nuisance algae.
...So, in the same closet that the ATO tank is in, I plan to have a 20H with heated and well agitated saltwater (with proper water chemistry).

My issue is that I can't fit 2 20H in my closet. Do you think a 10 gallon ATO tank is to small for a 50 gallon (or so, after rock displacement) tank? I don't want to have an ATO for my ATO!!

Now time for horrible iPhone 3GS pictures:










^ Painted black back/bottom. Test run with tap water a few nights ago. Tank was pulled out away from wall at this time.


^ Ordered a 1 point hanging kit. It came labeled as a 1 point, but it was a 2 point. In the picture the light looks crooked. I can't figure out if it is or not. It's basically level and each wire is hung at the same height. Dunno...


More recent pictures after I get the light running. I hope you guys don't think I'm lazy... I've been trying so hard to have this tank fully running. Every weekend I'm like " This is the weekend!" but it has been a struggle to find the bulbs I want, delaying me..

Next on the list:
MP20!

 

Good start, the light and bulbs will give you a strong blue colored tank.

 

cool.. I like the look so far.. I loved my glass-holes overflow kit. I cant wait to see it full. keep us updated for sure

 

Looking good! Keep the pictures coming as you progress.

Ivan

 

dunno if i am missing something but where did the lemonheads and fun dip come from? haha... great sounding setup you have there i am still running power compacts but will be upgrading soon so i like seeing all different perspectives and ideas!

 

There are a few companies that toss in random candy with orders lol

 

So far every company that I have recently ordered from is throwing candy into the box. Not sure why but I don't mind

My bulbs came in today. The company was a pleasure to deal with, shipping was fast, overall great experience. They're not a sponsor here so I'm not sure if it's ok to say which company it was.

I ordered 3 ATI Blue Plus, 2 Aquablue Special and 1 UVL Super Actinic. I don't have water or rock in the tank yet so it's hard to say, but I'm not as happy with the UVL SA as I am the ATI bulbs.

Front

^Back


(Not sure why it looks the way it does)

I'm thinking about switching a blue plus and the UVL, so theres a blue plus in the front..

 

lol The candy, really random!
Those lights are really, really bright. I sure wouldn't call anyone lazy, who does daily water changes! Sounds good so far. Good size tank. Keep the pictures coming! Subscribed.

 

Did some messing around with base rock today. I was really hoping to have a peninsula aquascape but it doesn't seem that easy to accomplish. I couldn't get it to work or look right with the rocks that I have.

This is what I have so far.. I'm most likely going to leave it like this, and add about 10% more live rock to the DT as well as 10-20 lbs of LR to the sump.





My favorite helper.. 3 year old golden. She had to inspect every rock before it went in.

 

I think it looks good. If you are going to add more rock, I would add it to the left side, to try and build that up.

Very cool dog!